Summer Reading Assignment for AP Language and Composition
Gulf High School -Mrs. Fuss
tfuss@pasco.k12.fl.us
Congratulations! You have enrolled AP Language and Composition! I
look forward to working with you during the 2013-14 school year. As I’m sure you
know, AP is a challenging, academically rigorous class. You will begin your
journey this summer by reading and completing some activities designed to
enhance the material we will be covering during the regular school year.
I have two classic novels for you to consider, The Grapes of Wrath and
The Scarlet Letter. These books can be purchased at a book store or checked
out of the public library. Many of these books can be found at used book stores
or online at half.com. Certainly, you may borrow them from your friends and
family, as well.
We will begin the fall semester of AP Language with AP-style practice
tests and time writings on the two novels you will need to read this summer. As
you read, you will need to summarize each chapter, take notes on character,
setting, and any literary devices you notice, and organize this information in a
reading journal. There is a 1500 word requirement on each book. You may also
wish to make notes in your book if it is yours to keep. During the first week of
school, I will collect your journals for each book for a grade. You will also be
permitted to use our journals on many of the mutliple choice quizzes and timed
writings.
Your journals should be organized by chapter and done in a compostion book.
(Those are the old school marblized books.) If you want to type, you may; but
you will need to paste the typed copy into your composition book.
A Note on The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck:
Some novels leave the reader who is not widely read confused, because the
reader knows little of the social, economic, or historical context in which the
characters are operating. Steinbeck, however, provides this context in his novel.
With a few exceptions, most odd numbered chapters provide a context for the
Joad family story. As a result, you know how and why events happen. The oddnumbered chapters seem extraneous at first, but you should note in your reading
journal how the odd-numbered chapters illustrate and/or illuminate what is to
come. (In discussion, odd-numbered chapters are referre to as inter chapters and
the even-numbered chapters are narrative.)
A Note on The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne:
When you read The Scarlet Letter, you may want to begin with Chapter 1 and
read the introduction (The Custom House) last. The narrative begins in Chapter
1 and most people find it easier to get interested in the book beginning there.
The introduction will be more interesting and easier to understand if read last.
This is just a suggestion. I you feel compelled to start at the “beginning”, please
do. Special Note: I realize that many of you have already read this novel in a
classroom setting. That’s okay since Hawthorne is a difficult read and your past
exposure will help you read it again on your own. Plus, we will be doing things
with the text that you’ve never done before.
A Note on Everything’s an Argument & other books:
Later in the school year, we will be writing several argumentation and synthesis
essays. This book will be extremely helpful. We will have a class set to use and
a book will checked out to you to use at home. If you are so inclined, you may
choose to purchase one of your own. However, this is not mandatory.
You may also wish to purchase an AP practice book. College Board puts one
out, as does The Princeton Review. Another excellent book is 5 Steps to a 5 for
AP English Language by McGraw-Hill. You will be getting this book in class.
You will enjoy reading if you read actively with your mind and heart. To let
yourself get lost in the story, you must avoid the temptation to skim just to get
through the book. Students who end up appreciating the novel are the ones who
really read it. If you come away from these two novels with the idea that they are
both boring, then you know that you did not read actively. AP Language requires
and active reader, so train yourself this summer to be one so that you will be
successful in class from the beginning. (Warning: Cliff’s Notes are totally useless
in an AP Language class since they focus on summarizing. Stay away from
them and think for yourself.)
Have a great summer reading!